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Who were some prominent figures in estimating and documenting the economic conditions of pre-British and British India?
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Dadabhai Naoroji, William Digby, R.C. Desai, and Dr. Rao
Explain the commercialization of agriculture under British rule.
Shifting agricultural focus from subsistence crops to commercial crops like coffee, tea, and indigo, which decreased food crop production and increased dependency on global market prices
When was the first census conducted in India and why is it significant?
In 1881; it provided key demographic data that aided administration and planning
How did the partition of India impact its economy?
It led to a loss of market size, shortage of human resources, grain problems due to loss of fertile land, and raw material shortages
What were the major trends in Indian foreign trade under British colonial rule?
Export of primary products (raw materials) and import of finished goods, with monopoly control by Britain
Why is the year 1921 referred to as the 'Year of the Great Divide' in Indian demographic history?
Because it marked a significant demographic transition point where the population growth rate began to rapidly increase
What was the significance of the Suez Canal for Indian trade?
It facilitated quicker and easier access between India and Europe by shortening the maritime route, increasing trade
What was the 'Drain of Wealth' phenomenon during British rule?
The systematic exploitation of Indian resources and wealth by Britain, without adequate reinvestment into the Indian economy
What was the Zamindari system and its impact on Indian agriculture?
It was a land settlement system where landowners owned large areas of land, neglecting necessary land reforms and leading to commercialized agriculture and decline in productivity
What led to the decline of the Indian handicraft industry under British rule?
The arrival of machine-made textiles and products from Britain, as well as discriminatory import-export policies that favored British goods over Indian handicrafts
What was the primary objective of British colonial rule in India regarding its economy?
To utilize the Indian economy for the development of the British economy
Enumerate some key positive contributions of British rule to the Indian economy.
Development of railways, roads, waterways, telegraph, introduction of a standardized monetary system, and creation of an administrative setup
Describe the Indian economy before British rule.
A prosperous, agriculture-based economy supported by flourishing handicraft industries such as cotton, silk, metal, and precious stones
What event marked the beginning of British rule in India?
The Battle of Plassey in 1757
What infrastructural developments were attributed to British rule in India?
The establishment of railways starting in 1850, development of roads, telegraph systems, and improvement in port facilities
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